WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate unanimously advanced a bipartisan resolution Monday aimed at stripping members of Congress of their pay during future federal government shutdowns, reflecting growing frustration among lawmakers and the public over repeated budget standoffs in Washington.
The proposal, introduced by a bipartisan group of senators, would withhold congressional salaries whenever lawmakers fail to pass government funding legislation on time, triggering a federal shutdown.
Senators approved the measure unanimously during a procedural vote Monday, sending the proposal forward as part of a broader effort to pressure Congress into avoiding future shutdown crises that disrupt federal operations and leave government workers in limbo.
Supporters of the resolution argued lawmakers should face direct financial consequences when Washington fails to keep the government operating.
“If federal employees and military families are forced to deal with uncertainty during shutdowns, Congress shouldn’t continue collecting paychecks as if nothing happened,” senators backing the measure said during debate.
The effort comes after years of repeated clashes between Republicans and Democrats over federal spending, debt ceilings, border security funding, and broader budget priorities that have repeatedly pushed the government toward partial shutdowns.
Current law under the 27th Amendment prevents Congress from permanently changing its own compensation without triggering additional constitutional requirements. Because of that restriction, the proposal would reportedly place lawmakers’ pay into escrow during shutdowns rather than immediately eliminating it permanently.
Lawmakers would not receive the withheld salaries until government funding is restored.
Backers of the proposal say the temporary withholding mechanism would create stronger incentives for Congress to negotiate funding agreements before deadlines expire.
Critics, however, questioned whether the measure would meaningfully change congressional behavior, arguing many lawmakers are independently wealthy and unlikely to feel financial pressure from delayed salaries.
The proposal still faces additional procedural hurdles before becoming law, but the unanimous Senate vote highlighted rare bipartisan agreement on an issue that consistently frustrates voters across the political spectrum.
Government shutdowns have become increasingly common in Washington over the past decade, often resulting in furloughed federal workers, delayed services, and economic disruptions tied to stalled appropriations battles.
Congressional leaders said discussions surrounding long-term budget reforms and shutdown prevention measures are expected to continue in the coming months.
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